Whereas, colon and rectal cancers are one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in Northeastern Pennsylvania, with incidence and mortality rates in some areas as much as 13 percent higher than the U.S. average; and  

Whereas, about 75 percent of new cases of colon and rectal cancer occur in patients of average risk and approximately 525 new cases are diagnosed.  Nearly 200 patients die from colon cancer each year in the Counties of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Wyoming combined; and

Whereas, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute has been easing the burden of cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania for over 30 years through community and patient services, hospital and practice support services, and cancer surveillance programs specifically designed to meet the unique needs of our region; and

Whereas,  on Thursday, March 30, 2023, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute will sponsor the 20^th annual C.A.S.U.A.L. (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day.

Whereas,  C.A.S.U.A.L. Day was establis­hed by the family of Helen Phillips, who fought a courageous battle against colon cancer and died in the summer of 2002.                                                                     

Now Therefore,   We, Jerry Notarianni, Debi Domenick Esq., and Chris Chermak, Commissioners of the County of Lackawanna, Pennsylvania, do hereby recognize March as Colorectal Cancer Month, and urge residents to be screened for early detection of colon cancer and participate with the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in its colon cancer awareness efforts and proclaim March 30, 2023, as: “C.A.S.U.A.L. Day” In Lackawanna County